Model train set with storage means and variable track arrangement

Abstract

A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A model train set, comprising: a base member having a first base member section and a second base member section, each base member section having a top face, said first and second base member sections connected together such that said top faces form an upper surface of said base member, said upper surface having a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon; and   at least one reversible storyboard having a first surface and a second surface opposing said first surface, each surface having a unique surface configuration, said reversible storyboard selectively engaging said upper surface of said base member such that said reversible storyboard mates with said upper surface;   wherein said upper surface of said base member is configured to allow said upper surface to be modified by flipping over said reversible storyboard.   
     
     
       2. The model train set of claim 1, wherein at least said second surface of said reversible storyboard has an integral trackway section, said integral trackway section interconnectable with said continuous integral trackway of said upper surface of said base member when said reversible storyboard is flipped with said second surface being in mating engagement with said upper surface to selectively vary the trackway configuration of said continuous integral trackway on said base member. 
     
     
       3. The model train set of claim 1, further including a plurality of visual elements, each of said visual elements selectively engageable with said upper surface of said base member such that said visual elements may be detachably secured to said upper surface. 
     
     
       4. The model train set of claim 3, further including a model train movable in said continuous integral trackway, said model train having a car, said visual elements selectively engageable with said car such that said visual elements may be detachably secured to said car. 
     
     
       5. The model train set of claim 3, further including an arch visual element selectively engageable with said upper surface of said base, such that said arch visual element is disposed to straddle said continuous integral trackway when said arch visual element is engaged with said upper surface of said base member. 
     
     
       6. The model train set of claim 5, wherein said arch visual element selectively engageable with said first and second surfaces of said reversible storyboard which have said integral trackway sections, said arch visual element disposed to straddle said integral trackway section when said arch visual element is engaged with said first or second surface of said reversible storyboard. 
     
     
       7. The model train set of claim 3, further including an instruction book, wherein said instruction book includes a narrative story having instructions for positioning said reversible storyboards and said visual elements. 
     
     
       8. The model train set of claim 3, wherein said upper surface includes at least one storage recess disposed thereon for receiving said visual elements when said visual elements are not secured to said base member, wherein said reversible storyboard selectively covers at least one of said storage recesses when said reversible storyboard is engaged with said upper surface. 
     
     
       9. The model train set of claim 1, wherein said continuous integral trackway is of variable elevation. 
     
     
       10. The model train set of claim 9, wherein said continuous integral trackway includes at least one exit ramp, said exit ramp interconnectable with separable trackway sections extending away from said base member. 
     
     
       11. The model train set of claim 1, wherein said first and second base member sections are pivotally connected such that said second base member section may be folded on top of said first base member section such that said top faces are oriented in a face-to-face engagement. 
     
     
       12. The model train set of claim 11, further including a storage box adapted to receive said base member when said top faces are oriented in said face-to-face engagement. 
     
     
       13. A model train set, the combination comprising: a base member having a first base member section and a second base member section, each base member section having a top face, said first and second base member sections connect together such that said top faces form an upper surface, said upper surface having a continuous integral trackway, an array of storage recesses, and a plurality of uniformly shaped slots disposed thereon;   a plurality of visual elements, said visual elements receivable into said array of storage recesses for storage, each of said visual elements further including a uniformly shaped tab member which is receivable in said uniformly shaped slots such that said visual elements may be detachably secured to said upper surface when not in storage; and   at least one reversible storyboard having a first surface and a second surface, each surface having a unique surface configuration, said reversible storyboard selectively covers at least one of said storage recesses.   
     
     
       14. The model train set of claim 13, wherein at least said second surface further including an integral trackway section, said integral trackway section interconnectable with said continuous integral trackway of said upper surface of said base member when said reversible storyboard is flipped with said second surface being in mating engagement with said upper surface to selectively vary the trackway configuration of said continuous integral trackway on said base member. 
     
     
       15. The model train set of claim 14, said first and second surfaces further including at least one uniformly shaped slot disposed thereon, said uniformly shaped slot adapted to receive said uniformly shaped tab member of said visual elements. 
     
     
       16. The model train set of claim 14, further including an arch visual element having two parallel tab members receivable in parallel slots formed on said upper surface, said parallel slots being disposed to straddle said continuous integral trackway. 
     
     
       17. The model train set of claim 15, further including an arch visual element having two parallel tab members receivable in parallel slots disposed on said first and second surfaces of said reversible storyboard which have said integral trackway sections, said parallel slots being disposed to straddle said integral trackway sections. 
     
     
       18. The model train set of claim 17, further including a model train movable in said continuous integral trackway, said model train having a car, said visual elements selectively engageable with said car such that said visual elements may be detachably secured to said car. 
     
     
       19. The model train set of claim 18, further including an instruction book, wherein said instruction book includes a narrative story having instructions for positioning said reversible storyboard, said visual elements, and said arch visual element. 
     
     
       20. The model train set of claim 13, wherein said array of storage recesses includes a train storage recess and a windowed recess. 
     
     
       21. The model train set of claim 20, wherein said first and second base member sections are pivotally connected such that said second base member section may be folded on top of said first base member section with said top faces being oriented in a face-to-face engagement, said windowed recess being disposed on top of said train storage recess such that said model train may be viewed through said windowed recess when said model train is in said train storage recess and said top faces are in said face-to-face engagement. 
     
     
       22. The model train set of claim 21, further including a storage box adapted to receive said base member when said top faces are oriented in said face-to-face engagement, said storage box having a window adapted to correspond to said windowed recess such that said model train may be viewed when said base member is in said storage box. 
     
     
       23. A model train set, comprising; a base member having a first base member section and a second base member section, each base member section having a top face, said first and second base member sections pivotally connected together such that said base member may be oriented in one of two positions, an open position or a storage position, said open position having said top faces oriented in a horizontal plane such that an upper surface is formed, said upper surface having a continuous integral trackway, an array of storage recesses, and a plurality of uniformly shaped slots disposed thereon, said storage position having said second base member section folded on top of said first base member section with said top faces being oriented in a face-to-face engagement;   a plurality of visual elements adapted to be receivable into said array of storage recesses for storage, each of said visual elements further including a uniformly shaped tab member which is receivable in said uniformly shaped slots such that said visual elements may be detachably secured to said upper surface when not in storage; at least one reversible storyboard having a first surface and a second surface, each surface having a unique surface configuration, said reversible storyboard adapted to cover at least one of said storage recesses and engage with said upper surface of said base member in a mating engagement, at least said second surface further including an integral trackway section disposed thereon, said integral trackway section interconnectable with said continuous integral trackway when said reversible storyboard is flipped with said second surface being in mating engagement with said upper surface of said base member; and   a model train movable along said continuous integral trackway, said model train including a recessed car having at least one of said uniformly shaped slots disposed therein, said slot capable of receiving said uniformly shaped tab members of said visual elements, said model train receivable in one of said storage recesses; and a storage case adapted to receive said base member section when said base member section is in said storage position.   
     
     
       24. The model train set of claim 23, wherein said base member further includes a supporting ridge formed in said upper surface so as to be disposed below said upper surface, said reversible storyboards resting on said supporting ridge such that said reversible storyboard is flush with said upper surface. 
     
     
       25. The model train set of claim 23, wherein said upper surface includes an array of snap-fit storage recesses disposed thereon for receiving said visual elements when said visual elements are not detachably secured to said upper surface, said snap-fit storage recesses having sizes and shapes that substantially correspond to the size and shape of said visual elements.